Foot glove

ABSTRACT

A protective covering for a foot is provided. In an embodiment, the foot glove has a leg portion, which is elastic to form a seal around the leg, a foot portion to enclose the foot, and a plurality of individual toe compartments. The glove may comprise an impermeable material such as vinyl, isoprene, and latex or nitrile rubber, so that any hazards posed by the surrounding environment or the foot itself are prevented from penetrating the glove. Such a material may also be flexible in order to preserve a wearer&#39;s pedal dexterity, which in turn preserves the flexibility and circulation in his foot and toes, as well as his ability to balance.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACT

Not applicable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

STATEMENT RE. FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant.

U.S. Patents

Patent Number Kind Code Issue Date Patentee 2,582,658 A Jan. 15, 1952 Mowbray 3,898,750 A Aug. 12, 1975 Epstein 5,394,624 A Mar. 7, 1995 Seipser 7,069,600 B1 Jul. 4, 2006 Romay

U.S. Patent Application Publications

Publ. Number Kind Code Publ. Date Applicant 2005/0120463 A1 Jun. 9, 2005 Cacioppo

Foreign Patent Documents

None found.

Nonpatent Literature Documents

None found.

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK NOTICES

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights and trade dress rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates generally protective footwear, and more particularly to an elastic, impermeable glove having a plurality of compartments to accommodate each of a wearer's individual toes.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

It is often desirable to protect clean or sterile environments from contamination tracked by feet. Likewise, it may also be desirable to protect feet themselves from environmental hazards such as chemicals, liquid spills, and other debris. Solutions have been offered to protect various environments from contamination tracked by feet as well as feet themselves from environmental hazards. For example, moisture resistant socks, overshoes, overboots, and other boot, shoe, and foot covers have been provided to create a barrier between feet and the surrounding environment.

Such solutions have failed to solve the problem completely, however. In some instances, this is because the foot covers restrict wearer's range of pedal motion. In other words, such solutions impede pedal dexterity. Such restriction is known to diminish flexibility in the feet and toes, decrease balance, and impede circulation in the toes. In other instances, this is because proposed covers do not conform to the shape of the wearer's foot and thus fail to retain potentially hazardous contaminants both within and without the foot cover.

Thus, there is need for a protective glove for a foot which is impermeable to potential irritants, contaminants, and other hazards and which is also flexible enough to preserve a wearer's pedal dexterity.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a covering for a foot. In an embodiment, the covering is a glove comprising an elastic and impermeable material formed to closely fit a wearer's leg, foot, and individual toes.

For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described. It is to be understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all advantages as may be taught or suggested.

In a preferred embodiment, the glove comprises a flexible sleeve having an upper end that defines an opening to receive a foot and portion of the wearer's leg. A plurality of toe compartments extend from a lower end of the flexible sleeve to individually accommodate each of the wearer's toes.

In combination, the sleeve and plurality of toe compartments define a continuous inner surface, which may substantially conform to shape of a wearer's foot when worn. To achieve this substantial conformity, the foot glove comprises any material that is both flexible and impermeable to at least some chemicals, debris, dirt, grime, liquids, contaminants, and other potential hazards or irritants. For example, in one embodiment, the foot glove comprises a natural emulsion of polymers, such as latex rubber. In another embodiment, the foot glove comprises a synthetic emulsion of polymers, such as synthetic latex rubber or vinyl. In yet another embodiment, the foot glove comprises neoprene, isoprene, nitrile rubber, or even polyethylene. Of course, such materials are provided by way of example, and not of limitation. Indeed, any material that is flexible enough to preserve pedal dexterity and also provide an impermeable barrier between the skin of a wearer's foot and the surrounding environment is contemplated.

In a preferred embodiment, the foot glove is seamlessly formed in order to reduce the risk of tearing, which could pose an additional risk of contamination. However, in some embodiments, various parts of the foot glove may be joined together at seams. For example, the sleeve may comprises a leg portion connected to a foot portion, where the foot portion even further comprises a heel pocket formed to accommodate the natural curve of a wearer's heel on one end, and is further connected to the plurality of toe compartments on another end. Of course, each separate portion may also be seamlessly connected.

The upper end of the sleeve may further comprise a cuff, which forms an elastic seal around the wearer's leg. In a preferred embodiment, the cuff may ensure that transfer of debris particles from within and without the foot glove is avoided. In other words, the seal may cause the glove to retain any potential contaminants within the glove without transferring any to the surrounding environment. In another embodiment, the seal formed by the cuff may also prevent chemical and liquid contaminants from contacting the skin of the wearer's foot through the opening in the sleeve.

The plurality of individual toe compartments may protect a wearer from irritation and blisters that occur to skin from any friction caused by a wearer's toes rubbing directly against one another. In another embodiment, the individual toe compartments may also protect a wearer from conditions caused by sweat between the toes. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of individual toe compartments may preserve the flexibility of a wearer's toes and the circulation of blood and oxygen therein.

Additional features are also contemplated. For example, in one embodiment, the material of the foot glove may be chosen to provide protection from small electrical currents. In another embodiment, the inside of the foot glove may be lubricated with a powder or liquid, such as cornstarch, to further reduce friction experienced by the skin of the foot. In yet another embodiment, the foot glove may also comprise a layer of material that increases friction, such as textured rubber, on any portion of the glove that may come into contact with a surface. Thus, in one embodiment, the outer surface of the foot glove corresponding to the sole of the wearer's foot may have an additional layer of friction-increasing material to ensure that the wearer does not slip while wearing the foot glove. In another embodiment, an additional layer of material may be included to increase the tear resistance of portions of the foot glove.

Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a protective barrier between skin of a barefoot and potential hazards caused by dirt, grime, pathogens, liquid spills, chemicals, debris, and other materials in the surrounding environment.

It is also an object of this invention to protect the surrounding environment from any contaminants tracked by foot such as dirt, grime, pathogens, liquids, chemicals, and other materials.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a protective glove for a foot which is disposable.

It is an even further object of this invention to preserve pedal dexterity while providing the aforementioned protections.

One or more of the above-disclosed embodiments, in addition to certain alternatives, are provided in further detail below with reference to the attached figures. The disclosed subject matter is not, however, limited to any particular embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the foot glove on a wearer's foot.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the under side of an embodiment of the foot glove on a wearer's foot.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view back side of an embodiment of the protective foot glove on a wearer's foot.

The disclosed embodiments may be better understood by referring to the figures in the attached drawings, as provided below. The attached figures are provided as non-limiting examples for providing an enabling description of claimed invention. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of its scope. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without some of the details included in order to provide a thorough enabling description of such embodiments. Well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various perspective views of one or more embodiments of the foot glove worn on a human foot are shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. With particular attention to FIG. 1, an outer, dorsal side 10 of the foot glove is depicted to show the overall effect of an embodiment of the foot glove.

In an embodiment, the foot glove may be a sleeve having a top end, or cuff 12, which is open to receive a foot. The cuff 12 may be elastic so as to form a seal around the wearer's leg, ensuring, for example, that dirt, grime, liquid, chemicals, pathogens, particles, and other materials that may be harmful or irritating to a wearer's bare foot are kept from entering the glove. In another embodiment, the seal formed by the cuff 12 may also ensure that any dirt, grime, pathogens, and other potentially harmful, hazardous, or otherwise undesirable materials on the foot itself, such as may be the result of a wound or other condition, are kept within the glove. In this manner, contamination of the environment itself may be avoided. It is further contemplated that the foot glove may be disposable so that any potentially harmful, hazardous, or otherwise undesirable materials that have come into contact with either the outer surface 10 or inner surface 14 of the glove may be disposed of without further risking contamination of the foot or environment through multiple uses.

An embodiment of the sleeve further comprises a portion to enclose a leg 16, a portion to enclose a wearer's foot 18, and a plurality of compartments to individually enclose each of the wearer's toes 20. Together, the leg portion 16, the foot portion 18, and plurality of toe compartments 20 are connected to define a continuous inner surface. They may be seamlessly connected to reduce the risk of tearing the foot glove while it is in use.

In a preferred embodiment, the leg portion 16, foot portion 18, and plurality of toe compartments 20 comprise material which is impermeable to at least some dirt, grime, liquids, chemicals, pathogens, particles, and other potentially harmful, hazardous, irritating, or otherwise undesirable materials. Additionally, the material of the glove may be flexible and elastic so that it substantially conforms to the shape of a wearer's foot when worn. This may reduce friction caused by the foot glove rubbing against the wearer's bare foot, which in turn reduces the likelihood that the glove will tear during use.

The reduced friction may also decrease any chance of irritation and blisters to the wearer's foot. As illustrated in FIG. 1, however, it is also contemplated that the material may provide some slack. In particular, this may serve to preserve the wearer's range of pedal motion, so that the wearer may maintain balance, flexibility, and circulation in his feet.

Similarly, the plurality of individual toe compartments 20 may preserve a wearer's flexibility and circulation by allowing the toes to move independent from one another. The plurality of toe compartments 20 may even further protect a wearer from irritation and blisters that may occur to the skin from friction that results when a wearer's toes rub directly against one another. In another embodiment, the individual compartments may also protect a wearer from conditions caused by sweat between the toes.

Additionally, some slack in the elastic and flexible glove may accommodate various foot sizes.

The foot glove comprises a material made from a natural emulsion of polymers, such as latex rubber. In another embodiment, the foot glove may comprise a synthetic emulsion of polymers, such as synthetic latex rubber or vinyl. In yet another embodiment, the foot glove may comprise neoprene, isoprene, or nitrile rubber.

Other materials are also contemplated. For example, polyethylene, and more particularly cast polyethylene or high density polyethylene may be used instead of natural or synthetic emulsion of polymers. Of course, such materials are provided by way of example, and not of limitation. Indeed, one skilled in the art will recognize that any material flexible enough to preserve pedal dexterity and also provide a barrier between the skin of a wearer's foot and surrounding environment is contemplated.

One skilled in the art will also recognize that other features may be included to reduce the likelihood that the foot glove will tear during use. For example, in one embodiment, a heel pocket 22 may be formed in the sleeve between the foot portion 16 and the leg portion 14. In particular and with reference to FIG. 3, the heel pocket 22 may be formed to the natural curve of a wearer's heel. This may additionally reduce the risk of tearing the foot glove while in use. This is because providing a pocket formed to the natural curve of a wearer's heel may decreases the tension applied to the elastic material of the foot glove, which in turn increases the tear resistance of the elastic material. In other words, providing a heel pocket 22 may ensure that the foot portion 18 and leg portion 16 of the foot glove are capable of withstanding additional wear and tear during use. Still, in another embodiment, the sleeve may simply be stretched over a wearer's heel, avoiding the need to specifically form a heel pocket 22 therein.

Additional, high-friction materials may coat the outer surface of any portion of the glove where contact with a surface or potential hazard, irritant, or other undesirable material is anticipated. With particular attention to FIG. 2 for example, the outer side of the foot glove is shown covering the plantar, or sole side of a wearer's foot. This side of the foot portion 18 of the glove will necessarily come into contact with any surfaces on which a wearer walks. Thus, in one embodiment, it is contemplated that one or more additional layers of any of the flexible, impermeable materials discussed above comprise the undersides of the foot portion 18, toe compartments 20, and heel pocket 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more additional layers may comprise natural latex rubber. The additional layer of natural latex rubber may be textured in order to increase friction between the glove and walking surface so that the wearer maintains a safe grip while walking. The additional layer of latex rubber may further increase the tear resistance of the portion of the foot glove covering the sole side of the wearer's foot. In another embodiment, the one or more additional layers of material may be chosen from one or more of natural or synthetic latex rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene, isoprene, vinyl, or polyethylene. Of course, this list is non-exhaustive and is provided by way of example. Indeed, it is contemplated that the one or more additional layers may comprise any material that increases friction and/or increases tear resistance.

A lubricant may be applied to the inner surface 12 of the foot glove to further decrease the risk of injury and discomfort to a wearer's foot caused by friction. In an embodiment, the lubricant may comprise an absorbable dusting powder such as cornstarch. In another embodiment, the lubricant may be silicone. In yet another embodiment, no lubricant is applied to the inner surface 12 of the foot glove.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, particular materials may comprise the foot glove in light of anticipated hazards, irritants, or other possible contaminants. For example, a known insulating material may be chosen to protect against small electrical currents. As another example, material particularly resistant to water and other liquid chemicals may be chosen to protect against the risks associated with such hazards. The material may be chosen so that it is disposable at little cost to the supplier or wearer. The material may even be chosen so that the foot glove is adapted for multiple uses over time. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, methods and apparatuses, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the foot glove with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the foot glove to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed invention. The above description of embodiments of the foot glove is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the foot glove are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize

While certain aspects of the foot glove are disclosed are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the method and system are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the foot glove. 

1. A glove for a foot, comprising: a flexible sleeve having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end defining a cuff open to receive and fully enclose a foot including any toes, heel, and at least a portion of a leg above the foot; and a plurality of toe compartments extending from the lower end, each compartment individually formed to fully enclose one each of a wearer's toes; wherein the sleeve and plurality of toe compartments are configured to define a continuous and inseparable inner surface and further comprise material which is disposable and limits permeation of potential hazards, irritants or otherwise undesirable materials within and without the glove.
 2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the cuff is elastic and forms a seal above the foot.
 3. The glove of claim 1, wherein the material which limits permeation of potential hazards, irritants or otherwise undesirable materials is a natural or synthetic emulsion of polymers.
 4. The glove of claim 3, wherein the material is chosen from vinyl, isoprene, neoprene, latex, and nitrile rubber.
 5. The glove of claim 1, wherein the material which limits permeation of potential hazards, irritants or otherwise undesirable materials comprises polyethylene.
 6. The glove of claim 5, wherein the material is chosen from cast polyethylene and high density polyethylene.
 7. The glove of claim 1, further comprising one or more layers of friction increasing material as an additional coating along the outer surface of any portion of the glove where contact with a surface or contaminant is anticipated.
 8. The glove of claim 7, wherein the friction increasing material is textured rubber.
 9. The glove of claim 1, further comprising a lubricant applied to the continuous inner surface.
 10. (canceled)
 11. A disposable glove for a foot, comprising: a leg portion having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end defining an elastic cuff open to receive a foot and form a seal around a wearer's leg above the foot; a foot portion having a front end, a back end, a dorsal side, and a plantar side, wherein a heel pocket is formed on the back end of the foot portion, and the lower end of the leg portion is connected to the back end of the foot portion above the heel pocket, the foot portion configured to fully enclose a wearer's foot; and a plurality of toe compartments extending from the front end of the foot portion, each compartment individually formed to fully enclose one each of a wearer's toes; wherein the leg portion, foot portion, and plurality of toe compartments are configured to define an inseparable, continuous inner surface.
 12. The glove of claim 11, wherein the glove is made of material which limits permeation of one or more potential hazards, irritants, or otherwise undesirable materials.
 13. The glove of claim 12, wherein the material is natural or synthetic dispersion of polymers.
 14. The glove of claim 13, wherein the material is chosen from vinyl, isoprene, neoprene, latex, and nitrile rubber.
 15. The glove of claim 12, wherein the glove comprises material chosen from cast polyethylene and high density polyethylene.
 16. The glove of claim 11, wherein the plantar side of the foot portion is coated with an additional layer of friction increasing material.
 17. The glove of claim 16, wherein the friction increasing material is textured rubber.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The glove of claim 11, further comprising a lubricant applied to the continuous inner surface. 